One year after Greece shipwreck: no one punished and pushbacks continue
Friday 14 June marks one year since more than 600 people died in one of the worst maritime disasters ever in the Mediterranean. While international investigations have sharply criticised the role of Greek authorities, calls for accountability and an end to illegal pushbacks remain unanswered. “Human rights organisations documenting the violations are increasingly being intimidated and persecuted,” stressed 11.11.11“The EU must take action against this erosion of the rule of law and fundamental human rights.”
13 June 2024
3 minutes
Op June 14, 2023 came the Adriana, carrying an estimated 700-plus people, ran into trouble in Greek waters when the overcrowded vessel's engine failed. Several distress signals were sent out. Greek and European authorities had the boat on their radar for more than 13 hours, but did not intervene. Only after the boat capsized did the rescue operation begin. Only 104 people could be saved from drowning.
Testimonies from dozens of survivors describe how the boat capsized after the Greek coast guard began to tow the boat away from Greek waters with a rope. Reconstructions from international research institutions and media confirmed the facts several times.Everything points to an attempted pushback away from Greek waters", say 11.11.11-expert Flor Didden. “This is not the first time that Greek authorities have been guilty of this. In 2022, Greece was already convicted by the European Court of Human Rights for a pushback at sea with fatal consequences.
"Everything points to an attempted pushback away from Greek waters"
No one convicted, complete impunity
Until today, no one punished for the facts. On June 15, 2023, 9 survivors were arrested on suspicion of setting up the smuggling operation and responsibility for the deaths of the passengers. By the end of May 2024, all 9 were acquitted and later released.
In parallel, the Greek Navy Court launched a preliminary investigation into the responsibility of the coast guard. “However, that research hardly seems to get off the ground, says 11.11.11-expert Flor Didden. “Until today, no arrests carried out or agents suspended.” The European Ombudsman opened an own-initiative investigation into the disaster and the role of the European border agency Frontex. The Ombudsman pointed to serious shortcomings in the agency and called for reforms and withdrawal from countries that systematically violate human rights.
Pushbacks continue
Meanwhile, the pushbacks in Greece unabated forward. 11.11.11 counted more than 2023 pushbacks by the Greek authorities in 26.000. During the first months of 2024 (January-May), 5.321 pushbacks at sea were documented. Frontex, which has a massive presence in Greece, is not blameless. In May of this year, German media again linked the agency to violent pushbacks. Frontex launched an internal investigation.
Organizations and people who document the violations are increasingly intimidated and persecuted by the Greek government. At the end of May, a arrest warrant issued to Aegean Boat Report (ABR) founder Tommy Olsen. ABR is one of the few organisations that tracks pushbacks. The UN Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders expressed concerns about the 'arbitrary' practice.
EU must act
11.11.11 wants the EU to draw a line and send a clear signal to the Greek government.
“Countries that systematically violate fundamental human rights and persecute human rights defenders can no longer go out freely,” emphasizes 11.11.11-expert Flor Didden. “The Greek government receives full support from the EU for border control. Such cooperation is no longer justifiable in the current context. The Frontex Directive clearly states that activities must be suspended when there is violations of fundamental rights or international obligations. "
